Newlands Primary School Nursery Review

Newlands describes a nursery approach built around play, growing independence and learning indoors and outdoors. This is the school’s own nursery on Wakefield Road in Normanton, with children able to start in the term after their third birthday. Its class is called Leeds, and the nursery teacher also leads the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). That places nursery teaching within the school’s early years leadership structure.

There is an important distinction between care and curriculum here. At the inspection on 11 and 12 February 2025, early years provision was judged Requires improvement. Children approached learning positively, but the curriculum needed clearer steps and better choices of activities. Families should weigh both parts of that picture.

The nursery describes its approach as centred on children and learning through play, with independence encouraged. Indoor and outdoor learning opportunities bring together counting, recognising numbers, early writing and reading, alongside friendships and understanding feelings. In parent terms, the EYFS here joins the beginnings of academic learning with children’s social and emotional development.

Early reading has a specific sequence. Nursery children begin with Phase 1 of Letters and sounds, then progress to Read Write Inc in the term before Reception, or earlier when ready. The move therefore depends partly on readiness rather than age alone. Parents can take part in phonics workshops, with links matched to their child’s phonics phase shared through Tapestry to support practice at home.

Curriculum planning. In February 2025, the early years curriculum lacked a clear order for developing knowledge and skills. Resources and activities inside and outside did not match children’s learning needs closely enough, and a significant proportion had insecure early writing skills. The February 2025 inspection found that these weaknesses left some early years children less ready for Year 1 than they should have been. These concerns make the progression of learning, including how play supports writing, an important consideration for families.

Care was a positive feature of early years in February 2025. Children received support with routines and expectations and showed willingness to learn. The early years team supports children as they settle and works with their families, while Tapestry provides a way to exchange milestones and achievements. Class teachers can also be contacted through the child’s account, keeping communication connected to everyday learning.

For additional needs, parents can contact the school’s SEND coordinator through the office. The school describes teaching adapted to individual needs, with both support and challenge. Parents with welfare concerns can speak to any member of staff, who passes concerns to the safeguarding team. This gives families a direct route to raise difficulties.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline.

For the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, priority followed care status, catchment, sibling attendance and proximity; nursery attendance was not a priority criterion. Keep the admissions decision separate from familiarity with the school. Newlands also provides guidance for families preparing children for the move from nursery or home to full-time school.

Term-time places cover 15 or 30 hours, with flexible hours also offered. Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00, and full days from 8:30 to 15:00. These give families a choice between shorter sessions and a day spanning lunchtime.

The 15-hour places are free; eligibility applies to the free 30-hour offer. Full-day attendance includes a 30-minute lunch period with a supervision charge. Contact the school for current charges and to discuss eligibility.

For nursery enquiries, call 01924 302585 or email office@newlands.wakefield.sch.uk. Visits can be booked by telephone, allowing families to meet the team and see the provision before choosing.